Bellows-type water tap

ABSTRACT

A bellows type water tap which can control the water outflow and consume no electricity, consists essentially of a main valve, a guide pipe, a foot pump, a bellows, one first regulating valve, one second regulating valve, a safety spring, a push rod, an adjusting block, a handle, a needle valve and a diaphragm. When the bellows is inactivated, pressure on above of the diaphragm is higher than the bottom and seals the water outlet and when bellows is expanded, the reaction presses down the needle valve and opens a water passage, lowering the pressure of upper portion of the diaphragm and opening the water outlet for water discharging.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a faucet having bellows configurationwhich consumes no electricity for controlling the flow of water. It alsorequires no direct contact with user's skin to avoid probability oftransmitting disease.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional faucet was invented in 19^(th) century, it simplifies thelife of millions, and ever since, it has been widely fitted into ourlife. A conventional water tap regulates the water outlet usually byturning a knob on top of the tap and forcing a washer incorporated inthe tap to move downwardly until fitted in a valve seat for sealing thewater discharge. The mechanism is simple, however, user constantlyforgets to close the tap after use, causing unnecessary waste. Moreover,physical contact of knob and user's hand makes the water tap become amedia for transmitting diseases, specifically those for the public use.To avoid direct contact, automatic sensor faucet has been introduced andis now commonly used in most public toilets. Water outlet controlled byinfrared sensor reduces the waste and provides hygiene. However, saidinfrared-sensor water tap can lose its function completely during theblack out since it requires electricity, and extra consumption ofelectricity also shifts the profit from water saving to the electricitybill. Moreover, installation of an automatic water tap is morecomplicate than the conventional one since it has to be connectedelectrically. Therefore, to provide a cost effective water tap whichconsumes no electricity for regulating the water outflow and reducesunnecessary waste has become the objectives of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cost effective, easy installed anddurable water tap having bellows-type configuration. Said bellows-typewater tap is characterized in that having: a tap (4) which consistsessentially of a secondary valve (41), a housing (42) attached undersaid secondary valve (41) and a main valve (43) coupled on the bottom ofsaid housing (42).

Said secondary valve (41) comprises an air passage (411), and an airinlet (412) and outlet (413) which both were set on the rear portion ofsaid passage (411).

Said main valve (43) is incorporated with a valve chamber (44) and apressure chamber (45) which connected with said valve chamber (44); saidchamber (45) also connects with a water inlet (431) and is furtherincorporated with a choke (46) that connected to a water outlet (432);said valve chamber (44) and water outlet (432) are connected by aconduit (433).

A guide pipe (2) having one end thereof connects to the air passage(411). A foot pump (1) for transporting fluid into the secondary valve(41) is connected with another end of the guide pipe (2).

A bellows (5) whose one end thereof is connected to the inlet (412) andoutlet (413) is incorporated into said secondary valve (41).

A first regulating valve (47) for regulating inflow of the bellows (5)is disposed on one end of the inlet (412) and a second regulating valve(48) for regulating outflow of the bellows (5) is disposed on one end ofthe outlet (413).

A seat (7), set on the other end of the bellows (5) and moves followingexpansion/retraction of the bellows (5) is incorporated into saidsecondary valve (41).

A valve gate (49) for opening/closing said air inlet (412) is attachedonto the bottom of the first regulating valve (47).

A third spring (8) for supporting said seat (7) is set between thesecondary valve (41) and the housing (42).

A buffer (71) is set between the seat (7) and housing (42); and a safetyspring (6) having one end thereof against the seat (7) is incorporatedinto said buffer (71).

A push rod (72) is freely coupled to the bottom of said buffer (71),said push rod is provided with retracting force by accommodating theother end of said safety spring (6).

A movable adjusting block (421) whose one end thereof is jointed with ahandle (422) which can adjust the position of said adjusting block (421)is disposed inside the housing (42); said handle (422) is extended tooutside of the housing (42).

A needle valve (3) having one end against the push rod (72) and coupledwith the adjusting block (421) is incorporated into a valve chamber (44)inside said main valve (43).

A stop (441) having a tapered valve opening (443) correspondinglymatching the needle valve(3) on one end and a first spring (31) forlifting the needle valve(3) on the other end, is set on the bottom ofsaid valve chamber (44); and a diaphragm (451) sealing a choke (46) bythe force of a second spring (442) where is set on the bottom of saidstop (441), is incorporated into a pressure chamber (45); said pressurechamber (45) is divided by said diaphragm (451), a pressurized area(452) is formed below the bottom of said diaphragm (451); saidpressurized area is connected with said water inlet (431) and a inletpassage (434) for connecting said water inlet (431) is set between thepressure chamber (45) and the diaphragm (451).

Moreover, a depressurizing mechanism (9) for lifting the diaphragm (451)is installed on the bottom of said choke (46). Said depressurizingmechanism (9) includes a cap (91) which is screwed onto the exterior ofsaid choke (46), a thimble (92) for being adjusted up/downwardly, havingone end inside the choke (46), another end through the cap (91) andexposed on the outside; and an o-ring (93) is set between both ends.

Further, a thread is applied to the free portion of said water inlet(431) for screw jointing with a water outlet of a pipe or a water tap.

The elasticity of said safety spring (6) is weaker than the third spring(8), but stronger than the first spring (31).

Aforementioned foot pump (1) is made into one of following shapes:square, spherical, semi-spherical or bellows-type. Said guide pipe (2)is made of one of following materials: metal, rubber or plastic.

Said first regulating valve (47) is an expanding valve and said secondregulating valve (48) is a constriction valve.

Furthermore, a groove (423) for allowing movement of the needle valve(3)is set on the center of said adjusting block (421); a trapezoidal hole(424) corresponding said push rod (72) for controlling the shift of saidneedle valve (3) is set on the center of the adjusting block (421).

A tapered opening (436), correspondingly matching the needle valve (3)for controlling the volume of liquid from valve chamber (44) enteringthe conduit (433) is set between.

An o-ring (437) for stop the leak is set between the needle valve (3)and the housing (42).

ADVANTAGES OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention possesses following advantages:

-   -   1. Combinations of said bellows (5), adjusting block (421) and        needle valve (3) provide the invention with various types of        discharge. Water supply automatically being shut off after a        predetermined time can prevent any unnecessary waste. The        present invention is also easy to install and requiring no        special skill. The first and second regulating valve (47,78) can        regulate the volume of water discharge, saving water more        efficiently.    -   2. By using a foot pump (1) to activate the bellows (5), the        present invention reduces its direct contact with hands of user        to minimum which lowers the probability of transmitting        diseases, making the present invention more sanitary.    -   3. Said depressurizing mechanism (9) ensuring the water        discharge continues even when pressure is low during water        shortage. Said depressurizing mechanism (9) can also prolong the        operational life of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment illustrating theblock in close position.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the FIG. 2 in function.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment illustrating theadjusting block in normal position.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the FIG. 4 in function.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment illustrating theadjusting block in full open position.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the FIG. 6 in function.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment with an adjustingblock providing two-staged water discharge.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams illustrating FIG. 8 in function.

FIGS. 11-13 are schematic diagrams illustrating complete function of thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic diagrams illustrating the function of thedepressurizing mechanism of the second embodiment.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The description is described in detail according to the appendeddrawings hereinafter.

Referring to FIGS. 1,2,4,6,8 and 14, a bellows-type water tap ischaracterized in that having: a tap (4) which consists essentially of asecondary valve (41), a housing (42) attached under said secondary valve(41) and a main valve (43) coupled on the bottom of said housing (42).

Said secondary valve (41) comprises an air passage (411), and an airinlet (412) and outlet (413) which both were set on the rear portion ofsaid passage (411).

Said main valve (43) is incorporated with a valve chamber (44) and apressure chamber (45) which connected with said valve chamber (44); saidpressure chamber (45) also connects with a water inlet (431) and isfurther incorporated with a choke (46) that connected with a wateroutlet (432); said valve chamber (44) and water outlet (432) areconnected by a conduit (433).

A guide pipe (2) having one end thereof connects to the air passage(411); and a foot pump (1), connected with another end of the guide pipe(2) for transporting fluid into the secondary valve (41).

A bellows (5) whose one end thereof is connected to the inlet (412) andoutlet (413) is incorporated into said secondary valve (41).

A first regulating valve (47) for regulating air entrance of the bellows(5) is disposed on one end of the inlet (412) and a second regulatingvalve (48) for regulating air exit of the bellows (5) is disposed on oneend of the outlet (413).

A seat (7), set on the other end of the bellows (5) and moves followingexpansion/retraction of the bellows (5) is incorporated into saidsecondary valve (41) and a valve gate (49) for opening/closing said airinlet (412) is attached onto the bottom of the first regulating valve(47).

A third spring (8) for supporting said seat (7) is set between thesecondary valve (41) and the housing (42);

A buffer (71) is set between the seat (7) and housing (42); and a safetyspring (6) having one end thereof against the seat (7) is incorporatedinto said buffer (71); A push rod (72) is freely coupled to the bottomof said buffer (71), said push rod is provided with retracting force byaccommodating the other end of said safety spring (6).

A movable adjusting block (421) whose one end thereof is jointed with ahandle (422) adjusting the position of said adjusting block (421) isdisposed inside the housing (42); said handle (422) is extended towardthe outside of the housing (42);

A needle valve (3) having one end against the push rod (72) and coupledwith the adjusting block (421) is incorporated into a valve chamber (44)inside said main valve (43);

A stop (441) having a tapered valve opening (443) correspondinglymatching the needle valve(3) on one end and a first spring (31) forlifting the needle valve(3) on the other end, is set on the bottom ofsaid valve chamber (44); and

A diaphragm (451) for sealing a choke (46) by the force of a secondspring (442) where is set on the bottom of said stop (441), isincorporated into a pressure chamber (45); said pressure chamber (45) isdivided by said diaphragm (451), a pressurized area (452) is formedbelow the bottom of said diaphragm (451); said pressurized area isconnected with said water inlet (431) and a inlet passage (434) forconnecting said water inlet (431) is set between the pressure chamber(45) and the diaphragm (451).

For delivering water, the foot pump (1) is pressed and the fluid insidethe foot pump (1) is pushed into the bellows (5) through the guide pipe(2), forcing the needle valve (3) to move and supplying the water. Whenpressure applied to the foot pump (1) is released, said needle valve (3)returns to its original position and shuts the supply off automatically.Since the whole process doesn't require direct contact with the watertap, probability of getting infected with bacteria or virus by contacthas been diminished

Various types of water supply can be selected by setting the handle(422) which will move the adjusting block (421), causing differentreactions of needle valve (3) inside the chamber (44) and regulating thesupply. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 8, four types of delivery areprovided in the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a full closeposition, which means that no water will be delivered when the adjustingblock (421) is moved to this position. A normal position is shown inFIG. 4, said mode allows the water be supplied as described previously,only when pressure is applied to said foot pump (1). FIG. 6 demonstratesa full open type of supply, when said adjusting block (421) is moved tothis position; water is supplied continuously without pressing the footpump (1), and only can be sealed until the adjusting block (421) isreleased from the position. FIG. 8 illustrates a two-stage delivery,similar to normal water discharge. Water is delivered when the foot pump(1) is pressed, however, different from the normal type, a seconddelivery will be supplied when the pressure is released from the footpump (1).

A depressurizing mechanism (9) for lifting the diaphragm (451) isinstalled on the bottom of said choke (46). Said depressurizingmechanism (9) includes a cap (91), screwed onto the exterior of saidchoke (46), a thimble (92) for being adjusted up/downwardly, having oneend inside the choke (46), another end through the cap (91) and exposedon the outside; and an o-ring (93) is set between both ends.

A thread is processed on the free portion of said water inlet (431) forscrew jointing the present invention onto a water outlet of a pipe oranother water tap. By mounting the present invention, the probability ofleak of the conventional water pipe or tap will be reduced evidently.

The elasticity of the safety spring (6) is weaker than the of thirdspring (8) but stronger than the of first spring (31). Suchconfigurations ensure the proper movement of said push rod (72). Asafety spring (6) stronger than the third spring (8) will cause the pushrod (72) unable to move downwardly, however, said safety spring (6) mustbe stronger than the first spring (31) for allowing the push rod (72)presses said needle valve(3) downwardly.

Furthermore, the elasticity of safety spring (6) is weaker than saidthird spring (8) for absorbing excess pressure applied to the pump (1);and when the position of said push rod (72) is limited by said adjustingblock (421), said safety spring (6) inside the buffer (71) can protectthe bellows (5) from damage.

Said foot pump (1) which can be filled with gases or liquids foractivating the bellows (5) which can be made into following shape:spherical, semi-spherical or bellows-type. Said types are common typesof pumps and a square-shaped pump which can be placed underneath thetile for concealing the appearance thereof can also be adapted. Saidguide pipe (2) for connecting said pump (1) and bellows (5) can be madeof following materials: metal, rubber or plastic.

Said first regulating valve (47) is an expansion valve and said secondregulating valve (48) is a constriction valve. By adjusting said firstand second regulating valve (47,48), the retracting time can be extendedor shortened and the supplying time of the present invention iscontrolled corresponding said retracting time.

A groove (423) for allowing movement of the needle valve (3) inside saidvalve chamber (44) is set on the center of said adjusting block (421); atrapezoidal hole (424) which corresponding said push rod (72) andcontrolling shift of said needle valve (3) is set on the center of theadjusting block (421). By setting the groove (423) and hole (424) on thecenter of said adjusting block (421), the position of the needle valve(3) is limited which allows the present invention having different typesof water delivery as described previously.

A taper-shaped opening (436), correspondingly matching the needle valve(3) for controlling the volume of liquid from valve chamber (44)entering the conduit (433) is set between. The setting of said opening(436) and needle valve (3), co-working with the bellows (5) of thesecondary valve (41) can control the discharge and sealing of water; andtrumpet shaped opening (436) reduces the friction between the needlevalve (3) and opening (436), avoid possible jamming thereof.

An o-ring. (437) for stop the liquid flowing into the housing (42) isset between the needle valve (3) and the housing (42).

FIG. 3, 5 and 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating functions of thefirst embodiment when adjusting block (421) is in close, normal and fullopen position respectively; FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic diagramsillustrating function of the first embodiment having a two stageadjusting block (421); and FIGS. 11-13 are schematic diagramsillustrating complete function of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, water from water inlet (431) flows into pressurizedarea (452) and pressure chamber (45) separately and since the needlevalve (3) incorporated in said valve chamber (44) is held in closeposition and with the function of the second spring (442), ensuring thatthe pressure of pressure chamber (45) is higher than pressurized area(452), pressing said diaphragm (451) downwardly and sealing the choke(46), closing completely the water exit (432).

FIGS. 5, 11-13 illustrate the complete function of the first embodimentspecifically when adjusting block (421) in normal position. Forinitiating the water discharge, pressure is applied to the foot pump (1)when user steps thereon, fluid inside said pump (1) is pushed throughsaid guide pipe (2), air passage (411), air inlet (412) and outlet (413)of the first and second regulating valves (47,48) into the bellows (5).The bellows (5) receives said fluid and expands, the expansion forcesthe seat (7), buffer (71) and push rod (72) to move downwardly andcauses the third spring (8) being compressed. The push rod (72) pressesdown the needle valve (3) until valve chamber (44) is opened. Waterinside the pressure chamber (45) circulates through the opened valvechamber (44), conduit (433) and into the water outlet (432). Thepressure inside the pressure chamber (45) is decreased and the diaphragm(451) is lifted by the higher pressure of pressurized area (452),causing water passing the choke (46), conduit (433) and into wateroutlet (432).

When pressure applied to the foot pump (1) is released, said needlevalve (3) returns to the original position thereof and seals the valvechamber (44) by the retracting force of the first spring (31). Waterdischarge from water outlet (432) is terminated and fluid inside saidbellows (5) is compressed and returns through the air outlet (413) ofthe second regulating valve (48) and guided back to the foot pump (1).

According to FIGS. 9 and 10, the embodiment having an adjusting block(421) are provide with two water discharges separately, one when footpump (1) is pressed and another when the pressure is released. Inaccordance with this mode, the push rod (72) first forces the needlevalve (3) to move the position thereof as shown in FIG. 9 and initiatesthe first water discharge. Said push rod (72) is further moving untilcontacting directly with the surface of the adjusting block (421). Underthis position, the needle valve (3) is perfectly jointed with the valveopening (443) of the stop (441) as shown in FIG. 10 and shuts off thewater delivery.

When the pressure applied to said foot pump (1) is released, retractingforce of the second spring (442) lifts up said needle valve (3) back tothe position of FIG. 9 and initiates the second water discharge. Thesecond discharge continues until the needle valve (3) is lifted to theoriginal position thereof.

Second Embodiment

As illustrated, FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic diagrams illustrating thefunction of the depressurizing mechanism of the second embodiment. Thesecond embodiment includes a thimble (92). Said thimble (92) can moveupwardly along a screw thread and lift said diaphragm (451). Said lifteddiaphragm (451) forces the water from water inlet (431) can only passthrough the choke (46) and exit from the water outlet (432). Saidmechanism can also lead the air in the pipe out during water failure,preventing high air pressure causing damage to the diaphragm (451).

What disclosed above are only the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention and it is therefore not intended that the present invention belimited to particular embodiment disclosed. It will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various equivalent changes may be madedepending on specification and drawings of present invention withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

1. A bellows-type water tap is characterized in that having: A tap (4)which consists essentially of a secondary valve (41), a housing (42)attached under said secondary valve (41) and a main valve (43) coupledon a bottom of said housing (42); Said secondary valve (41) comprises anair passage (411), and an air inlet (412) and outlet (413) which bothwere set on a rear portion of said passage (411); Said main valve (43)is incorporated with a valve chamber (44) and a pressure chamber (45)which connected with said valve chamber (44); said pressure chamber (45)also connects with a water inlet (431) and is further incorporated witha choke (46) that connected with a water outlet (432); said valvechamber (44) and water outlet (432) are connected by a conduit (433); Aguide pipe (2) having one end thereof connects to the air passage (411);A foot pump (1), connected with another end of the guide pipe (2) fortransporting fluid into the secondary valve (41); A bellows (5) whoseone end thereof is connected to the inlet (412) and outlet (413) isincorporated into said secondary valve (41); A first regulating valve(47) for regulating inflow of the bellows (5) is disposed on one end ofthe inlet (412); A second regulating valve (48) for regulating outflowof the bellows (5) is disposed on one end of the outlet (413); A seat(7), set on the other end of the bellows (5) and reacts alongexpansion/retraction of the bellows (5) is incorporated into saidsecondary valve (41); A valve gate (49) for opening/closing said airinlet (412) is attached onto a bottom of the first regulating valve(47); A third spring (8) for supporting said seat (7) is set between thesecondary valve (41) and the housing (42); A buffer (71) is set betweenthe seat (7) and housing (42); and a safety spring (6) having one endthereof against the seat (7) is incorporated into said buffer (71); Apush rod (72) is freely coupled to a bottom of said buffer (71), saidpush rod (72) is provided with retracting force by accommodating intothe other end of said safety spring (6); A movable adjusting block (421)whose one end thereof is jointed with a handle (422) which can adjustthe position of said adjusting block (421) is disposed inside thehousing (42); said handle (422) is extended to an outside of the housing(42); A needle valve (3) having one end against the push rod (72) andcoupled with the adjusting block (421) is incorporated into a valvechamber (44) inside said main valve (43); A stop (441) having a taperedvalve opening (443) correspondingly matching the needle valve (3) on oneend, and a first spring (31) for lifting the needle valve(3) on theother end, is set on a bottom of said valve chamber (44); and Adiaphragm (451), for sealing a choke (46) by the force of a secondspring (442) where is set on a bottom of said stop (441), isincorporated into a pressure chamber (45); said pressure chamber (45) isdivided by said diaphragm (451), a pressurized area (452) is formedbelow a bottom of said diaphragm (451); said pressurized area (452) isconnected with said water inlet (431), and an inlet passage (434) forconnecting said water inlet (431) is set between the pressure chamber(45) and the diaphragm (451).
 2. A bellows-type water tape of claim 1,wherein a depressurizing mechanism (9) for lifting the diaphragm (451)is installed on a bottom of said choke (46); said depressurizingmechanism (9) includes a cap (91) screwed onto an exterior of said choke(46), a thimble (92) for being adjusted up/downwardly, having one endinside the choke (46), and another end penetrated the cap (91) andexposed on an outside; and a o-ring (93) is set between both ends.
 3. Abellows-type water tap of claim 1, wherein a thread is applied to a freeportion of said water inlet (431) for screw jointing with a water outletof a pipe or a water tap.
 4. A bellows-type water tap of claim 1,wherein elasticity of the safety spring (6) is weaker than elasticity ofsaid third spring (8), but stronger than elasticity of the first spring(31).
 5. A bellows-type water tap of claim 1, wherein the foot pump (1)is made into one of following shapes: square, spherical, semi-sphericalor bellows-type.
 6. A bellows-type water tap of claim 1, wherein saidguide pipe (2) is made of one of following materials: metal, rubber orplastic.
 7. A bellows-type water tap of claim 1, wherein said firstregulating valve (47) is an expansion valve and said second regulatingvalve (48) is a constriction valve.
 8. A bellows-type water tap of claim1, wherein a groove (423) for providing movement of the needle valve(3), and a trapezoidal hole (424) corresponding said push rod (72) forretaining the shift of said needle valve (3) are set on a center of saidadjusting block (421).
 9. A bellows-type water tap of claim 1, wherein atapered opening (436), correspondingly matching the needle valve (3) forcontrolling the volume of liquid from valve chamber (44) entering theconduit (433) is set between.
 10. A bellows-type water tap of claim 1,wherein an o-ring (437) for stopping the leak is set between the needlevalve (3) and the housing (42).